I slept in today and got a late start since I did not have far to go. I left London around noon after saying goodbye to Ron Brown who runs Alexandra's B&B. I made my way to the Roberts-Pass bike trail and headed east.
After a couple of miles of hiking I met three guys who had driven onto the bike path and were digging up a concrete railroad marker. The marker said "CLE 164" which meant 164 miles to Cleveland. At first I thought they might be vandals but the logo on the vehicle said "Friends Of Madison County Parks and Trails". I struck up a conversation with the guys. They were removing the marker so they could repair it and stabilize the mount so people could not knock it over. The three people were Gene, Craig and Wesley Pass who were father, son and grandson. It turns out this was the famous Gene Pass who this section of trail is co-named for. I am not sure of all of Gene's accomplishments but he was instrumental in getting this section of trail completed. Even at age 79 he rides his bicycle over 8,000 miles a year.
As I hiked I pondered how I could be only 164 miles from Cleveland. There were 230 miles left for me to hike on the Ohio To Erie and I would end in Cleveland. I guess the trail is not a straight line.
The miles came slow to me today. I was tired after doing three consecutive 20 mile days. It was hot and there was little shade. I took a break every chance I could get. I took a nap on a bench which had a awning for shade. The temperature rose to 83 degrees today. Those of you who were indoors today were probably itching to get outside. I was itching to find shade.
At the grain elevator in Lily Chapel I filled up my water bottles. The office was open and the young guy inside was very nice. I took a break in the shadow of the grain elevator towers.
It was once again very windy today. I think it was windier than yesterday. The wind pushed me along again but it came out of the south which was at my side.
It is very dry here. The woods and grass need water. The wind kicked up a lot of dust. I think there are many spring plants who are waiting for the rain so they can bloom and grow.
I got to Georgesville around 630pm. The bike path has ended. The long interrupted bike path section that I began on Thursday in Cincinnati is over. Someday the bike path will be complete to Columbus but not today.
I entered Battelle Darby Metropark to search for a campsite. There were lots of people on the trails. I waited until there was a break in the action and I slipped into the woods and found a campsite on a hill. Next to me is a cemetery. There should not be much commotion from my neighbors tonight.
I hiked 12.5 miles today. Tomorrow I hike into downtown Columbus on roads.
